The Equitable Distribution Statute in North Carolina

By Kay Lee

Divorce requires couples to divide their assets, and divorce law is dictated by the state in which you live. States fall into two categories: community property states, which tend to divide assets 50-50, and common-law states, which divide assets according to principles of "equitable distribution." Among common-law states, however, not all the equitable distribution statutes are the same. The statutes that govern property division in a divorce in North Carolina can be found in the North Carolina General Statutes 50-20, 21.

Divorce requires couples to divide their assets, and divorce law is dictated by the state in which you live. States fall into two categories: community property states, which tend to divide assets 50-50, and common-law states, which divide assets according to principles of "equitable distribution." Among common-law states, however, not all the equitable distribution statutes are the same. The statutes that govern property division in a divorce in North Carolina can be found in the North Carolina General Statutes 50-20, 21.

Equitable Distribution

The majority of states are common-law states, where equitable distribution occurs. In these states, the owner of the property is the person whose name appears on the property. For example, if only one person’s name appears on the mortgage to a house or the title of the car, that person is considered the owner of the property. Despite the fact that one spouse is designated the owner, the other spouse may make a claim for that asset in the court system. The judge will look at the totality of the circumstances to determine what is equitable when dividing property between divorcing spouses.

Factors Considered in Division

"Equitable distribution" does not necessarily achieve an equal split of property between the spouses. The goal of equitable distribution is a reasonable and fair distribution of assets. North Carolina law has specifically listed eleven factors that a court will consider in order to determine what is reasonable and fair, as well as a catch-all that allows the court to look at any factor the court considers “just and proper.” For example, North Carolina instructs divorce courts to look at the income, property and liabilities of each party at the time of the divorce; whether either party has alimony or child support obligations from a prior marriage; the length of the marriage; the physical and mental health of both parties; the earning history of each party and the expectation of future income, such as pension or retirement; and which party will have custody of any children from the marriage.

Debt Also Divided in Divorce

Debts as well as assets are also divided in divorce. In North Carolina, the judge presiding over the divorce and property agreement will look to who incurred the debt. The debt will be viewed in light of the eleven enumerated factors to determine a division that is reasonable and fair in North Carolina.

Methods

In North Carolina, parties can divide their property by separation agreement or through a property settlement once they have formally separated. This agreement is not required to meet what may be considered just and fair under North Carolina law provided the agreement is agreed to by both parties. North Carolina law does require that these agreements be notarized. A couple can also ask the court to divide their property if they are unable to reach an agreement. This is called a consent judgment. Finally, if the parties are unable to come to an agreement and they don't want a consent judgment, the couple can request a trial to determine equitable distribution. A claim for trial must be made after the couple has formally separated but before their divorce is finalized.

Disclaimer: Communications between you and LegalZoom are protected by our Privacy Policy but not by the attorney-client privilege or as work product. LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self-help services at your specific direction. We are not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. We cannot provide any kind of advice, explanation, opinion, or recommendation about possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies. Your access to the website is subject to our Terms of Use.